Laminate vs LVT Flooring: What’s the Real Difference?
Laminate vs LVT Flooring: What’s the Real Difference?
Are you torn between laminate flooring and LVT? You’re not alone. Many people confuse the two because they often look similar at a glance. However, they’re very different beneath the surface.
While both flooring types come in plank form and can mimic the look of real wood or stone, they perform differently, and that matters when choosing the right floor for your home.
Let’s break down the differences so you can make a confident decision.
See it. Feel it. Choose with confidence.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is made from high-density fibreboard (HDF), topped with a printed image layer and a protective clear coating. It gives the appearance of wood at a lower cost.
Most standard laminate is not waterproof. Moisture can seep through the joints and cause the boards to swell or warp. For this reason, basic laminate isn’t ideal for bathrooms, kitchens or areas where spills are common.
Laminate is usually installed as a floating floor. The planks click together and sit on an underlay without adhesive, which makes for a quick install. However, if a plank gets chipped or stained, you can’t easily replace it on its own.
Quality varies hugely across the laminate market. Cheaper ranges often don’t last as long as other flooring types. Premium laminate is a different story, as we explain below.
Not All Laminate Is the Same: Premium Laminate
At the top end of the market, laminate has come a long way. We stock AlsaFloor Allure laminate, which performs far better than standard ranges.
- AC6 abrasion rating, the highest available for laminate
- Class 23/33, suitable for heavy domestic and commercial use
- Water-resistant, so it can go in kitchens and high-use areas
- 35-year residential warranty
- Underfloor heating compatible
- Available in plank and herringbone designs
If you love the look of wood and want a hard-wearing, cost-effective floor for a large area, Alsa Allure is well worth considering.
What Is LVT Flooring?
LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile. Unlike laminate, it’s made from multiple layers of flexible, durable vinyl. It’s fully waterproof, which makes it ideal for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
LVT mimics the appearance of natural materials like wood, stone, or tile, but with added comfort and practicality. It’s warmer and softer underfoot than laminate and significantly quieter. It also holds up better against scratches, dents, and daily wear, which makes it popular in busy family homes and rental properties.
LVT comes in two main installation types:
Click LVT
- Planks click together like laminate.
- No adhesive required.
- Slightly thicker and often includes an attached underlay.
- Can go over existing floors (if level and suitable).
- Great for DIY or faster installs.
- Slightly less stable in larger or sunny areas unless expansion gaps are used.
- Cannot easily replace single planks
Glue-Down LVT
- Each plank or tile is stuck directly to the subfloor with adhesive.
- Requires more subfloor prep but results in a super-stable finish.
- Ideal for larger areas or commercial spaces.
- Better for heavy furniture and long-term wear.
- Usually quieter and firmer underfoot.
- Easier than Click LVT to change single planks
- Can be laid in a wide range of parquet-style patterns, borders and inlays.
Both types are waterproof and durable; you just choose based on your needs and budget. We’re always happy to help with that decision.
More Style Options with Glue-Down LVT
Because each glue-down plank or tile is fixed individually, it can be cut and laid in almost any formation. That opens up a huge range of parquet-style patterns, such as herringbone, chevron, basketweave and stripped-back geometric layouts. You can also add borders and feature strips to create something unique to your space.
Laminate relies on a click-together system, so the pattern options are much more limited. Some premium ranges offer a herringbone format, but glue-down LVT gives you far more creative freedom.
Laminate vs LVT Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard Laminate | Premium Laminate (Alsa Allure) | Click LVT | Glue-Down LVT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Not waterproof | Water-resistant | Waterproof | Waterproof |
| Durability | Can swell or scratch | AC6, the highest laminate rating | Very durable | Extremely durable |
| Maintenance | Needs care | Easy to clean | Easy to clean | Easy to clean |
| Comfort | Hard underfoot | Hard underfoot | Softer, cushioned feel | Firmer, stable feel |
| Realism | Wood-look print | Realistic wood finishes, plank or herringbone | Realistic design layers | Realistic design layers |
| Sound | Can echo | Can echo | Quiet underfoot | Very quiet |
| Installation | Click system | Click system | Click system | Glued directly to the floor |
| Subfloor Prep Needed | Moderate | Moderate | Low–moderate | High |
| Suitable for Kitchens | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pattern Options | Plank only | Plank or herringbone | Mainly plank and tile | Wide range of parquet patterns, borders and inlays |
| Best For | Bedrooms, low-traffic rooms | Busy homes, rentals, commercial spaces | Homes, DIY, quick installs | Large or busy spaces |
Why We Often Recommend LVT Over Laminate
While laminate has its place, we often recommend LVT for homes, especially in bathrooms and other moisture-prone areas. LVT is fully waterproof, warmer underfoot and quieter, which makes it hard to beat in those rooms.
LVT simply offers more long-term value. It looks great, performs exceptionally well, and holds up better over time. Our customers regularly tell us how much they love the comfort, quietness, and low maintenance that comes with it.
Because it’s built to withstand daily life, LVT is an investment that pays off in both looks and performance.
When Laminate Is the Right Choice
Laminate can be a great choice in the right setting. A budget range may suit a low-traffic room, like a spare bedroom or home office.
For busier spaces, a premium laminate like Alsa Allure stands up to heavy wear in homes, rentals and commercial fit-outs. It’s water-resistant rather than waterproof, so it’s best to wipe up standing water promptly. For bathrooms and wet rooms, LVT is still the safer option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LVT better than laminate?
It depends on the room. LVT is fully waterproof, so it’s the best choice for bathrooms and wet areas. Premium laminate like Alsa Allure matches LVT for durability in busy homes and commercial spaces. Standard laminate is better suited to low-traffic rooms.
Can I mop laminate floors?
Use a well wrung-out mop rather than a wet one. Excess water can damage standard laminate. Water-resistant ranges like Alsa Allure cope better, but you should still wipe up standing water promptly.
Which lasts longer – laminate or LVT?
LVT usually outlasts standard laminate. Premium laminate is a closer match. Alsa Allure carries a 35-year residential warranty.
Is LVT more expensive?
The upfront cost may be slightly higher, but it often saves money over time by lasting longer and requiring fewer repairs.
Is LVT quieter than laminate?
Yes. LVT absorbs more sound and feels softer underfoot.
Can I get a herringbone or parquet-style floor with LVT?
Yes. Glue-down LVT can be laid in many parquet-style patterns, including herringbone, chevron and basketweave. You can add borders and feature strips too. Laminate options are more limited, although some premium ranges like Alsa Allure come in herringbone.
See the Difference for Yourself
Still not sure which option is right for your home? The best way to decide is to see and feel the flooring in person.
Visit our showroom in Newton Abbot to explore our LVT styles alongside our premium Alsa Allure laminate range. We’ll happily walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can choose with confidence.
Call us on 01626 834637 to book a free consultation or showroom appointment. We’re here to help you find flooring that’s beautiful, practical, and built to last.
Discover Our Premium LVT Ranges
